Real Madrid: 5 burning questions heading into Champions League semifinal second leg

Can Real Madrid get the goals they need?

Prior to putting two late goals past Sergio Herrera on Saturday night, Real Madrid had scored just four goals in their last five games, including three 0-0 draws. They had major issues creating chances against Chelsea, with Karim Benzema’s goal actually being their lone shot on target. And he also had a great shot from outside the box that hit the post. Other than his shots, Real had nothing going for them in the first leg.

Los Blancos will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, and they are going to need to score at least once to advance. It’s very likely they’ll need to score twice in order to make it through to the next round. If they can score twice, that puts them in a fantastic position to make it to the final, because a 2-2 draw would enable them to advance on away goals.

But can they score multiple away goals? Real Madrid scored three against Cadiz in La Liga on the road, but Cadiz have nowhere near the talent Chelsea do.

When was the last time Los Blancos scored two goals on the road against quality opposition? Inter Milan, 2-1 in late November. In 2021, the only time they scored multiple away goals against a La Liga team in the top half of the table was against Celta Vigo.

So Real Madrid’s attack definitely has a point to prove against Chelsea. Having the midfield axis of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos at full strength would be helpful, as well as a 100 percent Eden Hazard. But remember the difference-makers against Liverpool in that vital 3-1 win? Vinicius Junior and Marco Asensio scored goals then. Where are they now? Why can’t they play consistently, especially Asensio?

Those are the questions Madridistas have within the larger, important question. Can Real, no matter who it is, get it done in front of goal? Maybe the defensive players – Eder Militao, Sergio Ramos, and Casemiro are all capable scorers – can answer this one in lieu of an up-and-down winger.